Earlier this month, I tweeted, “I don’t think enough people have been talking about how incredibly cool the new Greg Ashley album is”, referring to Ashley’s February release, Another Generation of Slaves. Well, The Bay Bridged is as guilty as the rest of the local music press – we haven’t taken the time to mention it…until now. In short, just go listen to this album right now. Another Generation’s jazz-meets-country vibe makes me think Ashley was influenced (at least a little) by fellow Texan Bob Wills, and through it all, Ashley exudes a coolness that makes me miss smoke-filled lounges where we could watch Ashley croon his heart out between sips of red wine.

Another Generation of Slaves is available on vinyl from Chicago’s Trouble in Mind Records (for just $12!). Although I have slept on Ashley’s album for far too long, luckily others around the country haven’t – he’s on a national tour with Charlie Megira that includes a performance at Austin Psych Fest this weekend. I’ve also heard Ashley will perform at Oakland vintage clothing store Elder & Pine May 17, but Ashley’s lack of a website makes it difficult to confirm. Nevertheless, keep an eye out for Ashley around Oakland after his tour ends next week, and make sure to give this album the time it deserves.